ODAHIEKWU OGUNDE, Yenagoa
A former Commandant, National Defence College (NDC), Abuja, Rear Admiral Thomas Lokoson (rtd.), says he and other party members abandoned the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State due to alleged lack of internal democracy in the party.
Lokoson was among many APC chieftains who led many of their supporters to defect to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during a rally in Yenagoa as part of activities to mark Governor Douye Diri’s second year in office.
Lokoson and other stalwarts were received by the PDP national chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, Governor Douye Diri and other party governors at the epoch event.
Lokoson said in a statement that they came back to the PDP as a result of the quality of trust that Diri had demonstrated in his leadership style, claiming that such was lacking the party they left.
He said despite the fact that his membership of the APC was based on an uninformed analysis of the politics of the state then, the decision to return to the PDP was his last bus stop in politics of the state.
Lokoson rationalised: “After testing the two political parties, today, I am much better informed. I have been part of the two parties and know them to a great extent. I have all it takes to make an informed decision. The PDP is my choice, my final bus stop. No shaking!
“Besides, being a resident in Yenagoa offered me the privilege to study and watch with keen interest the political programmes of the Diri administration. We can see a deliberate attempt at driving a convincing agenda that impacts the socio-economic space.
“This has built confidence in the leadership and processes of the party. There is now trust in the party hierarchy. Trust is very critical as it can shape or destabilise the structure. For us in the PDP, we are glad to have a leadership that can always be trusted and is strategic, meticulous and conscious in leading.
“I formally return to the PDP with a clear conscience. Whatever mistakes that were made in the past will certainly be avoided and will help shape the future. The emergence of Senator Douye Diri as Governor of Bayelsa State has set the state on a new dawn.
“Barely two years in office, the achievements of the administration could be felt and seen by all of us; not radio or television projects. Our Governor has taken the core business of governance to enviable heights. It is therefore with pride that I identify myself with this dynamic, focused and forward looking leader.
“The Bayelsa State environment has continued to witness improvement in terms of infrastructure and security. Who then will not want to be identified with the PDP and its leadership after seeing the level of commitment?
“Part of my business takes place at night. There is a tremendous increase in night activities as a result of the security situation in the state. Indeed, Bayelsa State can be said to be the safest state in the South-south. So what are our friends and well wishers waiting for? We all know the nexus between security and development. Let the investments start flowing in!”